Cervicogenic headaches. How your neck may be causing your head pain.

Headaches are among the most common health complaints worldwide. While many people attribute them to stress, dehydration, or lack of sleep, a significant proportion of headaches are closely linked to the cervical spine—the upper part of your neck. These are often referred to as cervicogenic headaches. Understanding this connection is important, as targeted physiotherapy interventions can play a powerful role in reducing both the frequency and intensity of these headaches.

The Link Between the Cervical Spine and Headaches

The cervical spine is made up of seven vertebrae (C1–C7), muscles, ligaments, and nerves that support the head and allow movement. Dysfunction or irritation in this region can refer pain into the head due to shared nerve pathways between the upper cervical spine and the trigeminal nerve, which is heavily involved in facial and head sensation.

Common contributing factors include:

• Poor posture (e.g., forward head position from prolonged screen time)

• Muscle tension or tightness in the neck and shoulders

• Joint stiffness or restricted mobility in the cervical vertebrae

• Previous injury, such as whiplash

• Stress, which can heighten muscle tension and nerve sensitivity

Symptoms of cervicogenic headaches often include pain that starts in the neck and radiates to the back of the head, temples, or behind the eyes. Unlike migraines, these headaches are usually one-sided and may worsen with specific neck movements or sustained positions.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

Physiotherapy offers a non-invasive, evidence-based approach to managing cervicogenic headaches and headaches influenced by cervical dysfunction. Interventions may include:

1. Manual Therapy

Hands-on techniques such as joint mobilizations, soft tissue release, and gentle manipulations help improve neck mobility, reduce muscle tension, and decrease referred pain to the head.

2. Postural Education and Ergonomic Advice

Physiotherapists assess posture and provide practical strategies for daily activities—whether setting up a workstation, adjusting seating, or teaching neutral spine positions—to reduce strain on the neck.

3. Exercise Therapy

Specific strengthening and stretching programs target deep neck flexors, upper back muscles, and shoulder stabilizers. These exercises restore balance, improve support for the cervical spine, and reduce recurrence of headaches.

4. Movement Retraining

Physiotherapists guide patients in restoring smooth, pain-free neck movements. This helps break the cycle of stiffness, guarding, and discomfort that often perpetuates headache symptoms.

5. Education and Self-Management

Understanding the nature of cervicogenic headaches empowers individuals to recognize triggers and adopt preventive strategies. Physiotherapists often teach relaxation techniques and self-release strategies for long-term management.

When to Seek Help

If you experience headaches that consistently start in your neck, worsen with certain postures, or don’t respond to general lifestyle changes, consulting a physiotherapist may help identify whether your cervical spine is contributing to the problem.

It’s important to note that headaches can also be linked to other medical conditions. A physiotherapist will work collaboratively with your GP or specialist to ensure an accurate diagnosis and safe, tailored treatment plan.

Takeaway

The cervical spine plays a significant role in certain types of headaches, particularly cervicogenic headaches. Physiotherapy intervention, through a combination of manual therapy, exercise, posture correction, and education, provides an effective, drug-free solution for managing these conditions.

By addressing the root causes in the neck, physiotherapy not only helps alleviate pain but also empowers people with strategies to prevent headaches from returning—improving both health and quality of life.